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Big Man Up Front Excited About New HC

After a six-year run at Pearl River Central Eric Collins has now been hired as the new coach at D’Iberville High school. After going 42-31 in his tenure with the Blue Devils, including an 11-2 finish last season, Collins will look to re-tool and re-focus the Warrior football program that finished 6-7 in 2015.

Freshman center Louis Smith is excited to welcome Collins in as his new head coach. He is impressed with the resume Collins brings and is also ready to get to work.

“I’m excited about the change in our program and the work that lies ahead,” Smith told SES Mississippi.

“The experience he brings to the game excites me. The thirty years, the different levels and the places he has coached. He has seen a wide variety of different types of players and has had success with most of them. I’m also excited about the new offense he may implement.”

The PRC rushing attack was impressive last season. The Blue Devils rushed 338 yards per game last season. However, the Warriors were fierce on the ground, as well, averaging 251 yards per game. Smith says replacing graduating starters on the offensive line should help the rushing attack next season.

“Our success was a team effort. We are losing three seniors, three lineman who need to be replaced. Our success this year depends on how much we will fill those positions and how quickly we gel together as a unit for an explosive running attack,” Smith explained.

Bringing balance to the offensive attack will be key, as well. Smith, who figures to be an anchor on the offensive line, will be integral in not only replacing the departing seniors on the line but also to helping the offense achieve said balance.

The rising sophomore plays beyond his years and showed as much with his performance at the recent Fortius Project combine at Petal High school. Competing against the best at the camp was something that Smith says will benefit him as he strives now towards helping his team get better before and during next season.

“I thought the Foritus Project was a real eye-opener,” Smith offered. “I saw and competed against some of the best linemen in the state. This let me know I’ve got to be better on some things like my base, quick hands, stronger punches and staying square on the man. I’m going to work on these things and some others to perfect my technique.”

Also there to help with be his brand new head coach Eric Collins. As Smith is piece the coach can build his offense around for the next three seasons.